TNT

Welcome to TNT, or Targeting New Transitions, where fifty Loyola students and I work as academic coaches on Saturday mornings.  We start at 8:45 AM in the Rambler Room, prepping our tables, reviewing worksheets, and organizing take-home folders for our high school students.  By 9 AM, my team and I are prepared for the TNT session of homework review, discussion, and math games.

In a word, we the Loyola TNT coaches are diligent, yet our efforts are relatively minimal when compared to the efforts put forth by the high school students with whom we work.  Many of the students travel over an hour on buses and trains to arrive at our stop on time by 9 AM.  One school in particular sends students who are involved in the rigorous JROTC program (Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps).  Some students, unfortunately, have families struggling with divorce or financial problems.

Despite these burdens, many of our high school students consistently arrive with a positive attitude and thoughtful questions on homework.  I am impressed every week when my table of students shows improvement in math, writing, grammar, and overall participation.  As an academic coach, I understand that education and learning are two of the few consistent forces in these students’ lives, and it is encouraging to see these students take an active interest in their schooling every Saturday morning.

Four years from now, this active interest will hopefully result in their successful high school graduation.  TNT has been keeping track of its numbers, and in comparison to the graduation rates of the Chicago Public Schools, the graduation rates of TNT’s members are significantly higher for each group we serve.  This is why we continue to recruit high school students from any and all surrounding schools.  Moreover, this is why I am so excited for these students every Saturday.  From such a simple program of three extra study hours on Saturdays, TNT is on a promising track that can guide hundreds of disadvantaged students not only to their diplomas but also to bright futures.